Tagline: A Visionary’s Call to Transform Through Education
Biography: In the early decades of the 20th century, when Dharmasthala was steadily establishing itself as a place of spiritual significance, Late Shri Manjayya Heggade envisioned something far more transformative. Coming into his role as Dharmadhikari in 1918 at just 29 years old, Manjayya understood a fundamental truth: lasting societal change could not be built on temples alone, but required the foundation of education. Born into the Pergade family and educated in Mangalore, he possessed both the traditional wisdom of his lineage and modern thinking, a rare combination for his time.
Key Achievements:
Fighting the Malaria Epidemic: Late Manjayya Heggade’s first act as Dharmadhikari wasn’t ceremonial, it was urgent. Malaria had ravaged Dharmasthala, claiming lives and crushing hope. Rather than merely tending to temples, he tackled the root causes of suffering.
Educational Expansion (1918): In that same pivotal year of 1918, Manjayya Heggade established the first high school in Belthangady Taluk, a region starved of quality education. But he didn’t stop at buildings. He donated vast tracts of land and considerable resources.
Reviving Traditions (1940): By 1940, over two decades into his mission, Manjayya founded the Sidhavana Gurukula, an institution that breathed new life into the ancient Indian Gurukula System.
Late Shri Ratnavarma Heggade
Title: Late Shri Ratnavarma Heggade
Designation: The 20th Heggade
Tagline: Building the Foundation
Biography: In 1955, the next successor of the Pergade Dynasty – D. Ratnavarma Heggade became the Dharmadhikari, taking responsibility for both the spiritual leadership of the temple and advancing his father’s educational vision.
Key Achievements:
Rathnamanasa Gurukula: Ratnavarma Heggade founded Rathnamanasa Gurukula, an educational institution focused on younger children, to continue nurturing traditional learning from an early age.
SDM College Ujire (1966): In 1966, he initiated the establishment of SDM College in Ujire by laying its foundation stone; this became the First Degree College in that region, significantly enhancing higher education access.
SDME Trust: To provide a formal organizational structure and support further educational growth, Ratnavarma Heggade founded the SDME Trust, which oversees multiple educational initiatives and institutions today.
Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade
Title: Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade
Designation: The 21st Heggade
Tagline: The Legacy Builder
Biography: Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade assumed the role of the Heggade at just 20 years old.
Key Achievements:
Leadership: Building on the strong foundation laid by the previous Heggade, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade took charge as President of the SDM Educational Society.
Network Expansion: Under his leadership, SDM Institutions grew into a network of over 56 educational institutions, encompassing Schools, Colleges, a University and Research Centers.
Holistic Development: His initiatives expanded beyond education, and deep into rural development, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.
National Honors: Honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and several other national recognitions, Dr. Heggade continues to inspire generations with his commitment to Education and Social Service.
